THE OFFICIAL TOWN OF WINDSOR NEWSLETTER
WINDSOR MATTERS MARCH 2021
THE 2021 BUDGET
AN OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM & SERVICE COSTS 2020 By the Numbers
Take a Look at the Town's Accomplishments
Winter Weather What to Do When the Flakes Start Falling
Subscribe to the Digital Version and News Updates at windsorgov.com/NotifyMe
windsorgov.com
Eating Local During the Pandemic
FROM MAYOR
RENNEMEYER’S DESK
WINDSOR
TOWN BOARD
Mayor Paul Rennemeyer prennemeyer@windsorgov.com
Scott Charpentier
Dear Windsor Residents,
District 1 scharpentier@windsorgov.com
What a year it has been. Since March of 2020, everything about the way we work, go to school, socialize and live our daily lives has dramatically changed. We had no way of knowing what lay ahead as the snow melted last spring.
Barry Wilson
As I reflect over the last 12 months, we have gone through a lot. Home became more than a place for evenings and weekends, it began to double as a classroom and then tripled as an office. Parents, you resiliently learned to balance work - home- and school life all under one roof. All while our children bravely mastered online learning. Our community altered summer plans, and then again adjusted holiday traditions, maybe even discovered a few new ones. Those tough changes, while not our ideal, have given us a foothold into this new year. I am incredibly proud of how Windsor businesses have faced this crisis. With creativity and collaboration, they have boldly stood at the cornerstones of our community and kept the lights on. At the Town level, we had to make some major adjustments as well. We shifted the vast majority of our full-time staff to remote work. We collaborated with businesses to develop creative ways to keep their doors open, from helping restaurants serve patrons outdoors to partnering with businesses on marketing grants. We also took initiative and partnered with the cities of Greeley and Evans to begin a state-approved 5-Star Certification program, which has allowed qualifying businesses to operate at increased capacities. Windsor, you have done so much to adapt to the circumstances over the last year, facing unforeseen challenges with creative thinking and outside-the-box solutions. As I drove along Main Street the other day, thinking about the incredible hardships and unimaginable loss this pandemic has brought to our lives, I realized that in that same light is incredible fortitude and deep community. This community has come together in new ways, our roots have dug deeper in this storm. We may have a ways yet to go, but I have no doubt that we will come out of this stronger than we were before. Sincerely,
District 2 bwilson@windsorgov.com
Ken Bennett
District 3 Mayor Pro-Tem kbennett@windsorgov.com
Julie Cline
District 4 jcline@windsorgov.com
Victor Tallon
District 5 vtallon@windsorgov.com
David Sislowski
District 6 dsislowski@windsorgov.com
Town Board Meetings
Held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Hearing assistance is available during public town board meetings; make the request for headphones prior to the meeting. For information about meetings, visit windsorgov.com/TownBoard.
TOWN MANAGER Shane Hale
shale@windsorgov.com 970-674-2419 Mayor Paul Rennemeyer
CONNECT WITH US Keep up with Town of Windsor news and information by visiting the Windsor's website and by following us on social media.
facebook.com/windsorgov Twitter: @windsorgov Instagram: @windsorgov youtube.com/TownofWindsorCO Nextdoor: Town of Windsor windsorgov.com
QUESTIONS?
Email us at communications@windsorgov.com
WINDSOR MATTERS Windsor Matters is an effort to improve town communications and increase resident engagement. A newsletter is included in monthly utility bills, with a full print edition mailed twice a year. Front Cover: Lance Novak is the Assistant General Manager at Doug's Day Diner, 401 Pointe Plaza Drive. He says, "We love seeing and serving customers in person when possible." For pickup or delivery, Doug's Day Diner uses a platform called Menufy. Photo by Communications Manager Kim Overholt. Windsor Matters is published by the Town of Windsor © 2021. Reproduction of any portion of this publication, including photography and artwork, is strictly prohibited without the express consent of the Town of Windsor.
Windsor Town Hall
301 Walnut St. l 970-674-2400 windsorgov.com
@windsorgov
Keep up with community events at windsorgov.com/Calendar Sign up for text or email notifications for upcoming events, Town Board and Planning Commission meetings and agendas, traffic alerts and more at windsorgov.com/NotifyMe Participate in public meetings virtually; learn how to participate at windsorgov.com/ VirtualMeetings or find participation instructions on the meeting agenda, which can be found at windsorgov.com/Agendas Watch live or previously recorded public meetings on WindsorTV: Comcast cable channel 8, or online at windsorgov.com/MeetingsOnDemand
UPCOMING MEETINGS MAR
Town Board Work Session Regular Meeting
6pm 7pm
APR
Town Board Work Session
6pm
22 5
APR
Planning Commission Regular Meeting 6pm
APR
Town Board Work Session Regular Meeting
6pm 7pm
APR
Town Board Work Session
6pm
7
12 19
Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Contact Town Clerk or consult agenda for final start time. All Town Board and Planning Commission meetings are televised. Visit windsorgov.com/MeetingsOnDemand for broadcast schedule.
WINDSOR MATTERS |
2
Windsor Public Services campus at sunset.
2020
by the
NUMBERS
Community Development
993
New Residential Dwelling Units
Highest in Windsor's History
Single '19 Family '20 Multi '19 Family '20
781 Permits 711 Permits 23 Units 282 Units
Public Works
23,470 Miles Plowed/ Deiced
Over 15 Snowstorms
Economic Development
17
Created and Participated In
Economic Assistance Programs for Local Businesses
Including: Outdoor Seating Campaign Larimer County Loan Fund Mini Marketing Grant Program 5 Star Certification Program
$661,000
Invested into programs using CARES Act ($586,000) and Economic Development Incentive ($75,000) funding
Parks, Recreation & Culture
580,784 Trail Users
All-time high, nearly double 2019 total
478 Locations 15,668 Senior Lunches Served Totaling $24,840
Potholes Repaired at
640,000,000
Gallons of Wastewater Treated up 5% from 2019
704,755,556 Gallons of Water Consumed
Averaging 1.9 million gallons per day
All-time high, double 2019 total
30,000+ Artifacts moved into newly built Museum Collections Facility
161,683
Community Recreation Center Users *Down due to capacity limits in 2020
WINDSOR'S
ANNUAL BUDGETING PROCESS The annual budget, developed jointly by Windsor's Town Board and staff, is arguably one of the most important policy documents that the Town produces each year. All segments of Windsor’s operations and residents are affected by the annual budget. Consequently, the process has evolved into year-round effort aimed at including the entire community. The process for the 2021 budget began after the April 2020 Mayoral and Town Board district representative election. That's when the first of many joint meetings between the Town Board, Town Manager and department heads was held. From there, staff gathered public input during meetings and events held last summer, and a Strategic Plan was developed, setting the town's priorities and financial direction. Based on priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan, staff then began planning the capital program for the next five years. From June through August, departments prepared operational budgets detailing the amount of funding required to maintain service levels and to improve services and programs. Departmental budget
requests were reviewed initially by the Director of Finance, followed by the Town Manager, and lastly by the Town Board which attended a series of budget worksessions prior to the 2021 budget's formal adoption. All operating and capital requests were considered within the framework of town anticipated revenue and community goals. By mid-October, the Town Manager was required to submit a proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year to the Town Board. The Town Manager continues to remain obligated to include a long-range capital program for the ensuing fiscal year and the four fiscal years thereafter in the budget or concurrently with the budget submission. In general, the Town Board must adopt the budget by resolution at a public hearing on or before December 31. In Windsor, budget approval usually takes place before the end of November. This year, the process begins again as Town Board and staff will begin work to develop the 2022 budget starting in the spring. To access the complete 2021 budget, visit windsorgov.com/ Finance.
SALES TAX & GROWTH Through 2020, sales tax growth trends slightly outpaced population growth. For 2021, sales taxes have been conservatively estimated due to the economic uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
40,000
$14M
30,000
$10M
20,000
$6M 10,000 $2M '11
'12
'13
'14
'15
Sales Tax
'16
'17
'18
'19
'20
'21
Population WINDSOR MATTERS |
6 4
2021
BUDGET OVERVIEW
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Capital funds are allocated for large, one-time purchases of land, buildings, road improvements, distribution and collection systems, equipment and infrastructure. Resources for both ongoing operations and capital projects are not without limits and the capital planning must work in conjunction with the annual budget process. After a capital project is completed, the ongoing operation and maintenance appears in the operating budget for years to come and must be considered in the context of overall community needs. Projects approved for 2021 continue to focus on Strategic Plan priorities such as: road and drainage improvements (Sustainable Infrastructure), parks & open space (Strategic Growth), and transportation multi-modal initiatives (Vibrant & Healthy Economy). ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES Expenditures provide for executive, administrative, financial, planning, engineering, communications and economic development operations. INTERNAL SERVICES Internal Service expenditures include fleet, information systems, custodial services and facility maintenance for town facilities. Funds are internally transferred to these divisions on a cost-reimbursement basis for services. POLICE SERVICES This department supports 49 sworn officers, providing a safe environment for residents within town limits.
The 2021 budget was adopted November 23, 2020 and prepared to deliver high quality services to the taxpayer, both in operations and in capital investments, without issuing debt or increasing taxes. Windsor’s mill levy remains at 12.03 mills for 2021. Allocated expenses are gross in nature and do not represent offsetting revenues such as user fees, grants or contributions.
COSTPERPER DAY CITIZEN* *Based on a population estimate of 37,387
Streets Maintenance
Admin & Support
$.38
Capital Improvements
Internal Services
$.72 $.36
$1.29
$6.41 PER DAY $1.82 Utility Services
STREETS MAINTENANCE Expenditures provide for the annual maintenance of Windsor’s streets, roads and alleyways. Maintenance includes sweeping, plowing, paving, sealing and concrete replacement. UTILITY SERVICES Windsor provides water, non-potable water, sewer, and storm drainage services on a user-charge basis. Enterprise funds are self-supporting.
Police
$.58
$1.26
Parks, Recreation & Culture
PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE Provides for general parks and trails maintenance, new park construction, forestry services, heritage and cultural activities, recreational activities, community events and the operation of the Community Recreation Center.
PROJECTED REVENUE
$73,104,724 PROJECTED EXPENDITURES
$86,376,885
DID YOU KNOW? Per Article XI of Windsor’s Home Rule Charter, each fund in the budget must be balanced. The budget shall not provide for expenditures in excess of projected revenues and beginning fund balances. Simply put, the Town of Windsor cannot operate at a deficit. For the 2021 budget, existing fund balances will cover the $13.2M budget liability incurred from one-time capital improvement projects.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES Capital Outlay
$37,028,107 Personnel Services
$19,981,711 Operations & Maintenance
$18,757,193
Debt Service & Interfund Transfers
$10,609,874
There is existing debt for the Community Recreation Center, the expansion, improvements at Windsor Lake, Kyger Reservoir, a Police Facility loan and repayments to the Water Fund for the I-25/SH392 interchange project and to the Capital Improvement Fund for storm drainage improvements. Debt service obligations are included in the costs of each program.
PROJECTED REVENUE
Development Fees $11,223,084 Service Fees/Program Revenue $3,307,358 State & Federal Grants $3,241,170
Utility Sales & Service $9,122,857
Interfund Transfers $8,059,547
Interest/Investment Income $2,014,783
Taxes $31,935,433
Other $4,200,492
WINDSOR MATTERS |
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SUPPORT LOCAL
WHEN IT COMES TO DINING IN WINDSOR, RESIDENTS HAVE CHOICES! Indoor Dining: Concerned about indoor capacity? There’s nothing wrong with calling ahead. Outdoor Dining: To expand options, there are cozy outdoor shelters that offer warmth and privacy. We’ve also stocked many local eateries with outdoor tables, propane & heaters. Phone-in or Online Ordering with Curbside Pickup: Most, if not all, local restaurants gladly take an order over the phone for pick-up. You are likely to find many local restaurants' menus online. Online Ordering with Self-Managed Delivery: Pizzerias have long since recognized the benefit of food delivery. Most didn’t have to rush in the midst of a global pandemic to figure out the costs associated with hiring or maintaining delivery staff. Drivers work, are paid and are managed by the establishment. Online Ordering with Contract-Based Delivery: Drivers work, are paid and managed by a third party source such as Door Dash, GrubHub or Uber Eats. Overhead costs vary per service provider and can be as high as 30% because drivers work, are paid and managed by the service. Contract-based delivery services provided much needed support to keep many businesses operating at a time when they were otherwise closed due to the pandemic.
Online Ordering with Town Subsidized Relief Program: In Windsor, Nosh NoCo is contracted to provide this service, other services have the option to participate. Drivers work, are paid and managed by the provider. The Town of Windsor caps overhead costs to 15% of gross receipts and subsidizes the program for participating restaurants. Are you wondering what a particular restaurant prefers in terms of how you order? Just ask! We’re sure they’ll point you in the right direction.
Above: Windsor resident and Toast Coffee and Wine Bar barista Collin says, “We’re grateful for customer support in these trying times when it’s important to safely gather when we can.” Toast is located at 205 4th St.
The 5 Star Certification demonstrates business’s commitment to providing customers a safe experience. It is a win-win for customers and businesses. This voluntary program is meant to protect the community and help businesses gain additional indoor capacity in a safe manner.
windsorgov.com/5-Star
With last summer’s wildfires and drought still a not so distant memory, water conservation continues to stay top of mind and we're asking you to help!
APRIL 1-30, 2021
The 10th annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation returns this April. Participating in the water challenge is easy. To sign up, visit mywaterpledge.com and take the pledge to be water wise both at home and on the go. The program runs April 1-30, 2021. Municipalities across the country will compete to see which community has the greatest percentage of residents make a pledge. By taking the pledge, residents can identify small choices they can make everyday to reduce their water footprint and get the chance to win over $50,000 in eco-friendly giveaways. Committing to be water wise can start with turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth but it doesn’t have to end there. Every little bit counts, especially when we commit to making a change together.
GARDEN IN A
BOX
Does cold and snowy weather leave you dreaming of spring? It’s not too early to start planning your garden. Upgrade your lawn with a lovely xeric garden kit from Resource Central. These pre-designed kits are tailored to Colorado soil, and the simple plant-by-number maps take the guesswork out of buying and planting. Plus, the garden kits can help you save around 1,000 gallons of water compared to a traditional grass lawn (not to mention savings on your water bill). The Town of Windsor is partnering with Resource Central to offer a $25 discount to Windsor Utility customers. Garden kits are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis. Visit ResourceCentral.org/Gardens to order your water-wise Garden In A Box today. Pick-up will be held in May, just in time for spring planting. Choosing xeric, low water plants is an easy way to commit to reducing your outdoor water usage this year. Learn more about water conservation at windsorgov.com/Efficiency. WINDSOR MATTERS |
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Snow Season Isn't Over Yet... On average, Windsor receives 47 inches of annual snowfall, with March being the snowiest month out of the year. Practicing snow safety and proper snow removal at home and on the road helps you, your neighbors and Windsor’s Snow and Ice Team.
There's Snow Place Like Home During a storm, the safest place to be is at home and off the roads. Icy and snowy road conditions can be dangerous and should be taken seriously. If a large snowstorm is in the forecast, run errands before the storm hits.
Winter Roadway Safety Snow and ice can quickly accumulate and create hazardous roadway conditions. If you must be out on the road, plan ahead and be prepared. Pack the Essentials: Always carry an ice scraper in your vehicle. Also consider keeping a blanket, nonperishable food, a phone charger, extra winter clothing items and a snow shovel. Slow Down: Expect longer travel times during winter weather conditions. Allow yourself additional time to stop in snowy weather, and make sure your tires have at least 3/16” tread. Give Plows Space: When snow plows are out on the road, stay back three to four car lengths. Getting too close to a plow endangers both you and the plow.
Tandem Formation It is illegal for a driver to pass a snowplow that is operating in tandem formation. Tandem formation is when two or more plows are diagonally staggered across each lane and are operating together.
SNOW DAY CHECKLIST It's snowing, now what? Here are a few tips for handling snow at home. Move Vehicles Residents are asked to park cars in driveways when possible to provide a clear pathway for the plow and to maximize the amount of area the plow can cover.
Shoveling Matters When shoveling snow off the driveway and sidewalk, place it in your yard, leaving space along the curb and near the roadway for snowplows to pile snow from the streets. Pushing snow into the street is against town code and illegal in Colorado. It can cause ice patches, drainage problems and sight obstructions.
Be a Friendly Neighbor Clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm. Feel free to use salt or other de-icing materials, but avoid over-salting. Excess de-icing materials are likely to end up in the storm drain, which flows into our local waterways.
Clear Gutters Packed snow and ice around a drain can cause flooding as temperatures warm up and snow starts to melt. Do yourself and your neighbors a favor by clearing the way so melting snow can go down the drain and not flood the streets.
Keep Fire Hydrants Accessible Check to make sure fire hydrants are clear of snow and visible from the street. Access to hydrants is still important during snow season.
CRIME PREVENTION
RESIDENTS ASKED TO REGISTER CAMERAS It happens. A neighbor’s car or garage was broken into and there’s a call to neighbors who live on the street to check if their outdoor surveillance or doorbell camera caught corresponding footage.
Olson that the form would not allow them to enter their address. Since then, support staff have identified and corrected the problem and Olson is once again asking residents to register.
With video surveillance technology becoming more commonplace, surely someone’s exterior camera filmed something. Perhaps it was a glimpse of the vehicle or footage that shows the perpetrator.
“Please don’t be dissuaded if you previously had trouble registering for the program,” says Officer Olson. “We fixed the registration in late December and in the process, we also made it easier to participate.” Olson is hard at work to ensure the program’s success.
To help secure footage more quickly and efficiently, the Windsor Police Department launched its Secure Streets Program under the direction and support of Police Detective Thomas Olson. The goal of the program is to identify, apprehend and prosecute criminals quickly and efficiently. The Secure Streets program works on a voluntary basis. Property owners who have private video systems recording public areas such as streets, sidewalks or parking lots register their cameras with the Windsor Police Department. Information is kept in a secure internal database so that officers responding to burglaries, assaults, or other crimes can see nearby cameras and quickly contact property owners who may have recorded footage. Information about program participation is kept confidential.
To register participation in the Secure Streets program, visit windsorpd.com/Secure. To ask questions about the program, contact the Windsor Police Department at 970-674-6400.
DID YOU KNOW? Secure Streets Program participation is easy and secure. The program does not rely on active or live surveillance and it always takes the owner’s expressed permission and cooperation to view, download, or copy any recorded incident.
The department originally launched the program last November but a problem with the original registration delayed the program’s success. Residents notified
ORDINANCE UPDATE
RV PARKING Windsor’s ordinance related to parked recreational vehicles, boats, trailer coaches, trucks and trailers was recently updated. To read the new ordinance language, visit windsorgov.com/MunicipalCode and refer to Windsor Municipal Code 8-2-10(6). Keep in mind that additional or more restrictive rules may apply if you live in a homeowners association. These are separate and are not enforced by the Town.
WINDSOR MATTERS |
10
Looking to the Future
OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS IN WINDSOR What does the future of open space and trails in Windsor look like? We don’t really know yet, and we need your help. In 2018 the Town created the Open Space and Trails Division within the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. The division was created because of the strong vision by the community and the Windsor Town Board to create a detailed plan and strategy to acquire additional open space and build trails through the development of a funding model, acquisition of easements and to strengthen internal and regional non-motorized connectivity for Windsor residents. As the system stands today, there are currently 40 miles of detached trail—detached meaning it is separated from traffic. We also currently have 350 acres of dedicated open space areas. In this context, Open Space is defined as protected land with the intent to preserve specific values like, farming, natural areas, habitat, bluffs, arroyos and waterways.
The trail winds through the spring foliage at Belmont Ridge Open Space.
Open spaces and trails preserve natural areas, allow for more connectivity and provide a range of environmental and recreation amenities that help contribute to the community’s high quality of life. As part of the Town’s strategic plan, we are working to ensure equitable parks, trails, open space, and cultural infrastructure in all neighborhoods and areas throughout Windsor while also establishing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Our top priorities also include protecting and preserving small-town feel and maintaining community buffers.
To help us achieve these goals, we want to know what Open Space and Trails in Windsor means to you. For future public input opportunities visit windsorgov.com/ProjectConnect.
17th St. Trail • Design Phase • Est. Completion: Fall 2021
Trailhead Parking
Trailhead Parking Soft-Surface Loop
Colorado Blvd. Trail • Includes Bridge • Est. Completion: Fall 2021
SH392 Trail • Completed in December 2020
Connectivity in 2021 In 2020, work began on the No. 2 Ditch Trail Extension, connecting the existing No. 2 Ditch Trail with the newly-constructed Kyger Reservoir Trail. Upon completion, this project will connect the No. 2 Ditch Trail with the Poudre River Trail, both via the Kyger Reservoir, as well as south via Colorado Blvd. In the map to the left is the estimated construction timeline on the project.
WINDSOR MATTERS |
12
OPENING SPRING 2021
Windsor’s most unique recreation opportunity is almost here! The Eastman Park River Experience is sure to bring a splashing new adventure with one river-mile built just for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. If water sports aren’t your thing, the river plaza will be a great way to enjoy all of what the Poudre River has to offer. Eastman Park is located off of Eastman Park Drive and 7th Street. The town is excited to share this new amenity with the community and would like to thank you for your support. We can’t wait to see you out there!
Windsor Community Recreation Center
wellness LIVES HERE WELLNESS CENTER FITNESS CLASSES CHILDCARE INDOOR POOL OPEN GYM
250 N. 11th St. | 970-674-3500 | recreationliveshere.com/CRC
2021 Treasure Island Demonstration Garden Classes April 6 Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting May 9 Mother's Day Garden Tour* May 19 Bulbs, Tubers & Rhizomes June 16 Water-wise Tips June 20 Father's Day Garden Tour* July 21 Plant Select® Plant Walk August 18 Basic Vegetable Gardening Tips Sept. 15 End-of-Season Garden Tasks
All classes from 10-11am *Tour times may vary.
Registration required, sign up at recreationliveshere.com/Forestry. Email lmorales@windsorgov.com with questions.
31500 Laku Lake Road
The Windsor Tree Board is pleased to offer our reduced cost Tree Sale again this year! This project is part of an ongoing effort to help clean our air, shade our streets and sidewalks, reduce energy consumption, and add beauty. Trees absorb pollutants and can protect homes from harsh temperatures and rough winds. Yearround, trees can make life in our town healthier, more beautiful, and more comfortable.
Trees on sale for as low as $70
Sale ends April 14
recreationliveshere.com/Forestry
The Town of Windsor is Hiring! Visit windsorgov.com/Jobs.
FRIDAY, MARCH 26 10 a.m. - Noon
COST: $8 REGISTRATION #120530 REGISTRATION REQUIRED
The Easter Bunny is stopping by to celebrate the 14th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Search for eggs in the water during our egg splash in the indoor pool; take part in our traditional egg hunt in the gym; and enjoy open gym activities, games, and a chance to win door prizes with your child on this sweet and special day! Bring your Easter basket and swimsuit! Wave 1 (Pool) 10:15 - 10:45am Wave 2 (Pool) 10:45 - 11:15am Wave 3 (Pool) 11:15 - 11:45am Wave 4 (Gym) 11:45 - Noon
Community Recreation Center 250 N 11th Street 970-674-3500 | recreationliveshere.com/RecReg
CONTACT US! Windsor Town Hall 970-674-2400 Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch 970-674-6400 Option 1 Emergency 9-1-1 Community Recreation Center 970-674-3500
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