Fall 2023 Windsor Matters Magazine

FROM MAYOR RENNEMEYER'S DESK

Greetings Windsor Residents,

It's hard to believe summer is already over, but here we are. I've been so honored to meet many of you at events across town, from the Summer Concert Series and Farmers Market to the Harvest Festival and so much more. Even if Mother Nature had other plans with all the rain this year, I hope your summer season was filled with friends, family and fun.

As we move into the fall, the time has come where myself and your Town Board turn our attention to next year's budget for the town. I am proud to say that it is always our priority to maintain strong fiscal standing with a balanced budget that allows for sustainable growth, while still ensuring we are responsible stewards of your taxpayer dollars.

During the budget process, staff work diligently to identify the biggest areas of need in the community, from infrastructure to services and programs, and to fund those priorities as responsibly as possible. Many of these needs are identified through use of the town's Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Plan, both of which receive extensive input from residents and businesses alike before being adopted.

At the same time, all funding sources are reviewed extensively before our Finance team draft conservative projections that are used to ensure that project we decide to fund are done so with as secure of funding as possible.

While we can never prepare for everything, the steps we take now to be financially responsible make it possible for us to weather challenges as they come. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, it was this same careful financial stewardship that got us through with a budget that was still balanced and without any staff layoffs or unnecessary decline in services.

I encourage everyone to stay informed on the 2024 budget by watching our public meetings and providing input when the budget comes before the board for final review in late October. Your participation in the process is key for ensuring we guide the community in the right direction.

Thank you all for allowing me to serve as your Mayor. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

WINDSOR TOWN BOARD

Ron Steinbach District 1 rsteinbach@windsorgov.com

Barry Wilson District 2 Mayor Pro-Tem bwilson@windsorgov.com

Ken Bennett District 3 kbennett@windsorgov.com

Julie Cline District 4 jcline@windsorgov.com

Victor Tallon District 5 vtallon@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

Kind regards,

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

Mayor Paul Rennemenyer

TOWN MANAGER

Mayor Paul Rennemeyer prennemeyer@windsorgov.com

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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 Photo: Police K9 Zuma at the North 15th St. Campus groundbreaking event.

Above: Aerial photo of the new playground at Boardwalk Park.

Windsor Matters is published by the Town of Windsor © 2023. 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. | 970-674-2400

windsorgov.com

2024 BUDGET THE

Annual Budget Process Nears Completion

One of the Town of Windsor’s most important goals is maintaining fiscal responsibility and stability. By far the largest part of achieving that goal, the town’s annual budget is also the most important policy document produced each year.

Staff begin the process of preparing the budget very early in the year— almost 12 months before it will go into effect the following Jan. 1. Taking the time to develop a detailed, data-driven budget is essential to ensuring the town can maintain sound stewardship of taxpayer resources, even in the face of unforeseen challenges or shortfalls.

Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility

Cash Solvency

The ability to pay for ongoing municipal operations, services and programs.

Budgetary Solvency

The ability to maintain a balanced annual budget.

Long-term Solvency

Sustainably paying for future municipal operations and projects.

Service Level Solvency

The ability to provide the community with the needed and desired municipal services.

Financial Flexibility

The ability to react and respond to changes in the economy or to new challenges, whether expected or not, without measurable financial stress.

The Annual Budget Process

Evaluation & Preparation

January - May

Staff begin development of expenditure estimates for their service areas, in accordance with the town’s Strategic Plan and revenue projections. Additionally, performance data are monitored throughout the year and evaluated to help guide the budget process.

Submission & Review

June - August

Once preparation is complete, staff submit their final requests to the Town Manager and Finance for further review, discussion and refinement, if needed. Revenue projections for the upcoming year are also finalized.

Presentation & Input

September - October

Staff meet with the Mayor and Town Board over several work sessions to discuss the final recommended budget. Work sessions covering the Capital Improvement Plan, the town’s operating and maintenance budget, and utility rates and fees all take place during this window, with a final session dedicated to making sure all of the board’s questions have been answered.

Final Approval

November - December

The Town Board holds a public meeting to allow for input from residents and for any additional comments or questions from the board or staff before adopting the final budget at their next meeting. The final document is then published in December for implementation beginning in January.

Windsor Police Department Breaks Ground on New 15th St. Station

Back in August, the Windsor Police Department celebrated the beginning of construction of their new facility, officially starting the clock on the major project.

The new facility, —located at 960 N. 15th St. directly north of the Windsor Public Services campus— will serve as the department’s new headquarters, replacing the current 11th St. building. Staff are still assessing potential uses for the current building and will make recommendations to the Town Board. It is anticipated that the current building will remain under town ownership.

The department moved into the 11th St. building in 2010, though at the time with a much smaller staff. As the town has grown in the subsequent 13 years, so too has the department, increasing to its current total of 52 sworn officers and 13

civilian staff. The current building was designed to accommodate only 30-35 sworn officers and staff.

The new 43,330 square foot building will better house the growing department and will also include new tools and resources for officers to use, such as multiple training and development spaces, a large multipurpose conference area, and state-of-the-art evidence processing facilities. Construction is currently expected to take roughly 18 to 24 months to complete.

The $30 million project will also include off-site improvements to the area, including improvements to N. 15th St., a future collector roadway north of the site and utility and drainage improvements. Additionally, the building is being designed with expansion in mind, with reprogrammable space inside to provide flexibility and room to

add an additional 20,000 square feet if needed in the future.

Windsor’s Town Board has committed $18 million toward the project out of the town’s on-hand cash reserves. Some additional funding is expected to come from future revenue sources next year, though it is anticipated that the town will need to finance the remaining $5-10 million to complete the project so as not to further impact the town’s reserve fund.

The new police facility is part of a larger master plan for the area, which is referred to as the North 15th St. Campus. The site will include the new police facility, a community park and a new middle school.

GROWTH PAYING FOR GROWTH

A Responsible and Sustainable Approach to Infrastructure

The Town of Windsor, like many other municipalities in northern Colorado, has experienced high rates of growth over the last decade, which in turn has increased the demand for services and the need to increase the capacity of vital infrastructure, such as roads, water utility resources and more.

Town staff continuously monitor where growth is happening and create plans to address current and future needs. One such plan— Windsor’s Strategic Plan—is updated every two years and focuses on three key aspects: strategic growth, vital infrastructure, and building a vibrant and healthy economy. The town’s Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Master Plan and other documents go into even more detail on specific needs.

The town has adopted policies that require private developers to construct improvements that meet the town’s standards, dedicate water to serve new development and land for parks and schools. Developers pay building fees that contribute to road, park and drainage improvements, and to fire and school districts. In short, this principle means that growth pays for growth.

View progress on current and upcoming capital improvement projects at windsorgov.com/

Early Planning

The Town Board and advisory boards adopt plans based on public input that address current and long-term needs. Town staff then implement those plans through capital improvement projects and development review. The town’s Comprehensive Plan provides the policy framework for regulatory tools like zoning, subdivision regulations and annexations.

Development Planning

Private developers must ensure their plans align with the town’s goals, policies and regulations. This can involve creating and reviewing planning documents or dedicating resources like water rights or right-of-way for new streets to account for new demand.

Review & Approval

After staff review, developers’ plans are forwarded to Windsor’s Planning Commission and Town Board for approvals when required. While staff can approve uses that comply with existing zoning and requirements, proposals that would require changing zoning or creating new neighborhoods generally require public comment and consideration in front of the commission or board before their approval.

Immediate Infrastructure Needs

Staff may identify infrastructure improvements during planning and review, such as expanding sewer capacity or realigning or expanding an existing road. Developers are required to construct and pay for additional capacity or road improvements that serve a new development.

Monitoring Needs

Staff monitor and assess existing infrastructure performance and capacity as developments come online. If criteria are met to warrant expansion of infrastructure, the town may begin designing and budgeting for such projects based on projected needs in documents like the Comprehensive Plan.

Long-term Infrastructure Buildout

Staff vet potential options and make recommendations to leadership once a project meets predetermined criteria. If it rises to a high enough priority, it will be included in the town’s Capital Improvement Plan and is eligible for funding in the town’s annual budget. Funds primarily come from sales and property tax revenue, as well as development fees that increase as the town develops, allowing growth to pay for growth.

Protect Windsor’s Stormwater System by Managing Falling Leaves

Falling leaves add a warm and welcoming touch to the Town of Windsor in the autumn, but when those leaves are left in lawns and swept into the street, it becomes an eyesore to residents and visitors. Proper leaf collection and disposal maintains a clean and safe environment for everyone by avoiding nutrient loading and pollution in local waterways.

In the Town of Windsor, it is unlawful to deposit litter and landscape materials, sediment, lawn clippings, leaves, branches and other yard debris into the street. It’s also unlawful to use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in excess of manufacturer recommendations.

Did you know the water that flows into storm drains in our streets heads directly into local rivers and streams, carrying pollutants and other materials it might catch along the way? When decomposing leaves enter the municipal seperate storm sewer system (MS4), it increases the amount of phosphorus entering Windsor Lake, the Cache la Poudre River and other local bodies of water. This can lead to excessive algae growth and poor downstream water quality.

In the right conditions, these abundant external factors can fuel algae blooms, contaminating the water and potentially making it unsafe.

Excess leaves can account for as much a 56% of phosphorus in stormwater. Not only can this kill local fish and other aquatic wildlife, it can also be toxic to humans and pets. Plus, leaves can clog an actively draining street gutter, causing flooding.

Leaves, twigs, branches under four inches in diameter and grass clippings can be brought to the Fall Clean-Up Days Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Public Services Campus located at 922 N. 15th St. The event is free for Windsor Utility customers with a voucher that can be found at the back of this magazine.

For more information on Windsor’s stormwater and the MS4, visit windsorgov.com/Stormwater.

STREET SWEEPING & STORMWATER

As an additional effort to keep roads clean and clear, residents are reminded to keep all trash cans, sports equipment, vehicles and other obstructions out of the streets when sweepers are in the area.

While street sweepers can easily pick up naturally falling leaves, large piles of debris can clog the machines and result in expensive repairs.

For more information about the Town of Windsor Streets and street sweeping, visit windsorgov.com/StreetSweeping

Windsor residents are invited to participate in the 2023 Fall CleanUp Days event on October 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Public Services Campus, 922 N. 15th St., and is free for utility customers to attend. 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 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 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 the Town of Windsor Water Utility, visit windsorgov.com/Utilities

October 13 & 14 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Windsor Public Services Campus

922 N. 15th St.

ITEMS PERMITTED

• 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 (no tractor or commercial truck tires)

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED

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

• Hazardous waste

• Propane tanks and gas cylinders

• Refrigerators or other appliances containing freon

• Construction debris (dirt, cement, pavers)

• Wooden pallets

• Vehicles

• Animal carcasses

• Electronics

• Glass

• Large furniture

WINDSOR'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY UPGRADES

New Biosolids Facility Now Complete and Operational

In 2020, the Town of Windsor broke ground at its Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) on a new biosolids processing facility. As Windsor grows, so too does the demand on infrastructure, including sewer infrastructure. After several years of planning, construction began on the new biosolids facility, the first of many upgrades planned for the WWTF to accommodate the future growth of Windsor.

The new facility is intended to maximize the efficiency in which solid waste is dewatered and disposed of at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Previously, the WWTF operated using a lagoon system where the sludge – the broken down organic waste that’s free of all excess trash and debris –settled to the bottom of the water and was hauled away and disposed of twice annually.

With the new biosolids facility, the water is removed from the sludge using advanced and updated systems meant to be efficient and

able to treat up to 5 million gallons coming through the facility every day, as compared to the previous 2.1 million gallons.

But what makes this new facility so efficient? The use of state-of-theart, upgraded technology – like pumps and compressors – that moves material where it needs to go with ease. The new and improved process breaks down and dewaters the sludge so that way when the waste is disposed of, it’s a dough-like consistency and can easily be hauled away for use on farm fields for nonhuman agricultural uses.

The addition of three new basins allows water to separate in different stages to further clean and break down. This way, by the time sludge moves up to the screw press to be dewatered, the clean water is then sent to the head of the plant to go through the entire process again.

The screw press further squeezes the water out by introducing binding agents that cling to the solid waste.

The press moves in an upward motion and once it reaches the top, the sludge drops down a chute and into a hauler.

Before, with the lagoon system, the town was only able to dispose of biosolids with a solids content of two to three percent, which required over 500 truck roundtrips to collect the sludge two times a year. With the new system, the solids content is closer to 20 percent, greatly reducing the amount of hauling necessary.

The completion of the new biosolids facility not only optimizes the wastewater process, but it provides more flexibility as Windsor grows. This is just a stepping stone to the future of the WWTF and Windsor is proud to continue providing innovative, safe and sanitary wastewater services for generations come.

These screw presses, which help to further separate biosolids from water, are located in the new biosolids processing facility.

WINDSOR'S WASTEWATER TREATING

Windsor's Wastewater Treatment Facility currently treats 2.1 million gallons of wastewater a day. In order to treat the water to town, state and federal standards, all that waste must go through a complex treatment process, which is explained in the diagram below. 1

As wastewater leaves your home, it travels through a vast sewer network on its way to the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

2

Once wastewater reaches the facility, it first moves through the headworks, where large debris is removed and disposed of. 3

The old lagoon, where biosolids used to be stored and then dredged up for removal, will eventually be decommissioned, with the space set for facility expansion in future years.

After large debris is removed, the wastewater is moved to large basins where naturallyforming bacteria break down and consume solid waste. 4

Water from the basins is eventually transferred to round clarifiers, where remaining matter is allowed to settle to the bottom. The now clean water is sent through a disinfection process before being discharged into the Cache la Poudre River.

5

Biosolids that were removed in the clarifiers—still mostly water at this stage—are transferred to the biosolids facility, where several processes further separate water from the solid material. Once complete, the extracted biosolids are collected and hauled away to be used as certain, non-human consumption rated fertilizers.

For more information about Windsor’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, visit windsorgov.com/WaterSewer.

SPRINKLER WINTERIZATION

Tips for Optimizing your Irrigation System for the Spring

October is the time when most folks shut down their sprinkler systems for the season, and it’s a good idea to have the system winterized at the same time. Winterizing a sprinkler system is the simple act of shutting off the water and using compressed air to force the water from the lines to ensure no freeze damage will occur over the winter.

Even those with self-draining systems should consider doing this. It is impossible to tell if a self-draining system has functioned properly or not until spring, when it is too late and freeze damage may have occurred.

After shutting off the water to your system, remember to drain the backflow assembly and the line going back into the house. The shutoff valves and test ports on the backflow assembly should be turned at a 45 degree angle to ensure they do not freeze and burst during the winter.

Connect the air compressor to the system after the backflow assembly; forcing compressed air through the backflow assembly can damage internal parts that will need to be replaced in the spring. Make sure the compressor is set no higher than 70 psi (pounds per square inch) and can deliver at least 100 cfm (cubic feet per minute).

Using over 70 psi can damage valve lines and heads, while using anything less than 100 cfm will not have the volume to force all the water out. Much of the water stays in the lines while the air travels above it, giving the impression that the lines are clear of water when they are not. If you don’t have an air compressor, many landscaping companies offer this service this time of year as well.

It’s never too early to sign up for an outdoor irrigation audit for the spring to assure your sprinkler system is in tip-top shape for next year. Maximize your water efficiency year-round by signing up for a free audit at windsorgov.com/WaterAudits

HELP MAKE OUR COMMUNITY ACCESSIBLE DURING SNOW SEASON

Sidewalk Shoveling

As snow season approaches, Windsor’s Public Services Snow & Ice team needs your help. Help us provide a better experience for your neighbors and customers by completely and fully removing any snow and ice from the area outside of your home and business.

Residents should consider fully shoveling sidewalks outside of their residences up to the property line. If on a street corner, please shovel a path fully into the street so those with disabilities can detect the textured sidewalk curb.

Businesses along CO 392 between 3rd St. and County Rd. 15 should consider shoveling snow from their sidewalks fully, and if on a street corner, should shovel the curb and into the street to create a clear path. This way, our sidewalks remain accessible for students walking to school, those in wheelchairs and electric scooters, and delivery drivers. We urge all businesses around town to complete their sidewalk and curb snow removal prior to the Snow & Ice team arriving.

Please remember, Windsor property owners and occupants are responsible for shoveling and treating snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their property per Municipal Code 11-7-10, sidewalks should be addressed within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

We appreciate your help and cooperation as we work to make Windsor accessible and welcoming for our entire community this winter!

Connect with us: For more information, visit windsorgov.com/Snow.

If you have a question regarding snow removal, send us an email at publicworks@windsorgov.com.

Ideal placement of snow

Curb, gutter & sidewalk to be cleared of snow & ice by property owner

Snow Storage Area: Plows will place snow here

Travel Lanes: Do not place snow or ice here

REDISTRICTING PROCESS

Changes Coming to Town Board Districts Ahead of 2024 Election

Every two years, the Town of Windsor holds a general election for the Town Board and, depending on the year, for Mayor as well. Town Board members serve a four-year term and the terms are staggered, meaning only some members are actually up for reelection in any given election.

The Windsor Town Charter requires that all voting districts be roughly equal to each other in terms of population. Specifically, the district with the lowest number of registered voters must have at least 85% of the number of residents in the largest district.

The town charter also requires that the Town Clerk evaluate the number of registered voters of each voting district ahead of an upcoming Town Board election. During this year's analysis, it was determined that all of the districts that were smaller than the largest were below the 85% threshold, triggering the process to adjust the district boundaries.

At their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Windsor Town Board formally adopted new district boundaries that meet all of the requirements laid out by the charter. The new map will go into effect with the April 2024 Town Board election.

Learn more about the town's voting districts, including a map of the new boundaries and more about the redistricting process at windsorgov.com/Districts

6

Town Board Members by District

District 1

Ron Steinbach

District 2

Barry Wilson

District 3

Ken Bennett

District 4

Julie Cline

District 5

Victor Tallon

District 6 Jason Hallett

ARE YOU READY IF A DISASTER STRIKES?

Winter may be approaching, but severe weather can happen any time in our area. Wildfires, blizzards and flooding are just some of the possibilities Windsor residents and businesses are always encouraged to prepare themselves for. It’s important to have a plan for you and your loved ones to follow in the event of a disaster.

PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY:

■ Create a plan for staying in touch with your family. Include personal and other important phone numbers to stay connected or reach important services.

■ Sign up for local emergency alert notifications. All Windsor residents can receive text or email notifications from NOCOAlert by signing up at NOCOAlert.org. Additionally, Weld County residents can sign up for the Code Red alert system at weld911alert.com

■ Have an evacuation plan. Make sure your family all know where to go if you have to evacuate or reunite with you should you become separated.

■ Save for emergencies. It is always good to have some cash on hand to help pay for essential or unexpected expenses during a crisis.

■ Protect your important documents. Things like birth certificates, social security cards, bank account or insurance information and more should all be kept somewhere safe and easily accessible, such as a lockbox rated for surviving natural disasters. Keeping digital copies on a secure cloud drive as a backup is also highly recommended.

■ Keep a well-stocked emergency supply kit or go-bag. Having essential items such as a first-aid kit, flashlights and non-perishable food and water ready to go in one place can save crucial time if you need to leave in a hurry. Visit ready.gov/kit for a complete list of recommended emergency supplies to keep on-hand.

■ Check your insurance policies regularly. Make sure you aware of exactly what your home, car or other insurance policies do and do not cover to avoid complications should you need to file a claim or request assistance. Many homeowners’ insurance policies, for example, will help cover expenses while evacuated from your home, if you know how and where to file such claims.

Learn more about how to plan ahead for emergencies at ready.gov/Plan.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Windsor Volunteer Experience seeks to build a spirit of community service in Windsor. For more information about upcoming volunteer events and opportunities, visit windsorgov.com/Volunteer.

Trail Building at Kyger Open Space | Saturday, Oct. 7

Tree Planting at Main Park | Saturday, Oct. 14

Park Care Day at Aberdour Park | Saturday, Oct. 28

Experience the fun of community service at these one-time commitments. Sign up to be a volunteer at bit.ly/WindsorVolunteerEvents.

TWILIGHT TOURS of Lakeview Cemetery

Hear stories from the past on a tour of Windsor’s historic Lakeview Cemetery with a tour guide from Town of Windsor Museums. These tours are family friendly for kids 8+. $6 admission per person.

Friday, Oct. 20 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Register at recreationliveshere.com

LAKEVIEW CEMETERY 32815 State Hwy. 257 970-674-3532 | recreationliveshere.com | @windsorPRC

Saturday, Dec. 2 | 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Boardwalk Park

‘Tis the season to sparkle. Windsor will be glistening in lights and Santa is coming to town! Greet Santa as he arrives on the Great Western Railway Train at 4:30 p.m.

After his arrival, Santa and Mayor Paul Rennemeyer will kick off this year’s event with the annual Tree Lighting ceremony. Watch as the Windsor History Museum transforms into a wonderland of lights, holiday activities and fun!

Be sure to be in line by 7:30 p.m. to get your professional photo captured with Santa.