Residents are invited to a second community workshop regarding the development of a Facility Use Study.  It will be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, February 15 in the cafeteria at Windsor High School. 

Also, an informational meeting has also been scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2006 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Senior Center.  For more information, call 285-1870.

Arts and Culture Grant Funding Applications Available

Applications for the Arts and Culture Grant program are currently being accepted.  The deadline for applications is February 15, 2006.   The Windsor Arts and Culture Fund purpose is to promote culture, arts and history throughout the community.  Grants may be given for an Event/Program or for  Organizational Support & Development.  Organizations must be Windsor based and have tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.  To obtain an application, or learn more about the program guidelines, go to the town’s website or call 285-1800.

Valentine’s Day Tradition Continues at Town Hall

On Valentine’s Day, next Tuesday, the Town Clerk’s Office will continue its 44-year tradition of offering free marriage licenses.  This Valentine’s Day also starts a new tradition of issuing free Civil Union licenses.  Participating couples will also be eligible for a free drawing of assorted gifts from local merchants.  For more information call the Clerk’s office at 285-1902.

Police Recruitment Open House was a Success

Approximately 150 people attended Saturday’s Open House.  The goal of the event was to provide an opportunity for those interested in pursuing a law enforcement career to learn more about the actual testing process which includes both a written and physical exam.  Those in attendance commented that the open house was extremely informative and helpful.   Applications for the Police Officer positions are due February 24^th and testing dates are set for March 4^th and 9^th.

Conversations on Race Kick-Off Event Planned

The 4^th consecutive year of the Conversations on Race™ series will kick-off February 15 at 6:00 PM here at Town Hall.   A community forum focusing on The Achievement Gap will be the topic.  The Conversations on Race™ series is structured in groups of 8-12 participants, who meet for 5 consecutive weeks, to talk candidly about their experiences, values, and thoughts on race relations.  The Forum on the 15^th will include a panel discussion by a variety of local and regional experts as well a number of Windsor students and parents.   Attendees at the Forum will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panel members and can also register for The Conversations™, which will begin in March in various locations throughout the town.

Reinvestment Initiatives

Recently there has been attention given to a number of large economic investment projects – but tonight I would like to highlight 2 other initiatives which are in place and have certainly help encourage investment a smaller scale throughout town. 

First is the town's Housing Rehabilitation Program.  This program provides financial and technical assistance to income-eligible Households for the correction of code violations, energy conservation measures, hazardous material abatement and modifications for handicapped accessibility.  The program in part is funded by Federal Small Cities Block Grant money as well proceeds from loan repayments.  Through this initiative in the last five years approximately $850,000 has been reinvested in our housing stock.  An average of 15 homes each year are rehabbed.   Eligibility is limited to households with income at or below 80% of area median.  For example this translates to an annual income of $58,000 for a family of four.  While, historically the Housing Rehab Program primarily assisted seniors, in recent years many of the program's participants have been single parent households.  Funds are available to eligible households throughout town.

A second initiative involves the Rehabilitation Exemption Program. This program, adopted by the Town Council 5 years ago, helps leverage private investment in residential and commercial buildings by deferring increased assessments on eligible projects.   The deferral is for a seven year period.

In order to qualify, residential properties must be at least 25 years old and improvements must increase the assessed value by at least 10%.  Non-residential properties must be at least 40 years old and the increased assessment needs to equal or exceed 15%.  To date a total of 45 properties have participated in the Exemption Program.  All but 2 have been residential.  This past year, the total assessment of the 11 properties qualifying for the program increased from $1,252,020 to $1,572,200.  The overall effect of the Rehabilitation Exemption for the 2005 Grand List (45 properties), utilizing the 2004 mil rate of 28.73, is $34,451.