Windsor Town Board Regular Meeting 3/24/25

Highlights

• The Board denied a land use change request for the Trautman Subdivision, citing concerns about setting a precedent for future redesignations.
• Firearms ordinance passed (5-2), allowing open carry in government buildings unless a sign is posted, with exceptions for the Town Recreation Center and Municipal Court.
• The Board entered Executive Session to discuss potential legal action from Greeley regarding a 2008 IGA on development cost-sharing along Highway 34.

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Carlene Irion from the American Legion requested $2,000 for catering a celebration honoring 250 years of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Mayor Cline confirmed funding was available in the budget and the Board unanimously approved the Outside Funding Request for the American Legion.

Public Invited To Be Heard

In response to last week’s Town Board Work Session, six community members spoke in favor of and clarified details of Sammy’s Law, an ordinance designed to prevent the influx of puppy mill puppies into Colorado by banning the retail sale of pets in public spaces. The community members emphasized that the ordinance does not impact local breeders but is meant to regulate commercial puppy mill breeders that supply pet stores.

A community member presents information on Sammy’s Law to the Windsor Town Board during the Public Invited To Be Heard section of the meeting.

On a different topic, a Windsor family and their neighbors requested an update to Sec. 16-1-30 of the Municipal Code, which pertains to estate residential (ER) zone districts and the keeping of animals. The family asked the Board to consider modifying the language to allow them to keep a steer on their property for participation in fairs and shows.

Board Action

Sandra Mezzetti, Senior Planner, presented a Land Use Map Amendment (LUMA) proposal for the Windsor Comprehensive Plan. The proposal sought to change the land use designation of a 5-acre portion of the Trautman Subdivision 4th Filing at 29918 Weld County Road 17 from "Commercial Mixed-Use" to "Medium Density Residential." Timberline Church owns the land and intends to develop a church campus on the majority of their property, but not on the southernmost 5 acres. They approached Journey Homes LLC in 2023 about selling this parcel and developing approximately 28 residential units that would connect with the existing Trautman subdivision. Board Members Peltz, Klimek, and Hallett supported the amendment, arguing that the site was not well-suited for commercial development and should be rezoned for residential use. However, Board Members Steinbach, Jones, Symsack, and Mayor Cline opposed the request, expressing concerns that approving it would create a precedent for future land redesignations. The motion failed in a 3-4 vote, as seen below.

Terry Schwindler, Business Development Manager, presented a request for additional land acquisition as part of Project B for the new King Soopers development. The Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-14 - A Resolution Approving an Agreement for Project B Development.

Stephen Garrison of the Windsor Police Department proposed an ordinance amending the Municipal Code regarding the carrying of firearms in government buildings. A recent change in Colorado state law prohibits carrying firearms in government buildings, but this local ordinance would allow open carry in government buildings unless a sign is posted. It also allows concealed carry with a valid permit even when a sign is posted. Firearms would be prohibited in the Town Recreation Center and Town Hall during Municipal Court, but the Town Board Members, for example, would be able to decide to post a sign prohibiting open carry during Town Board meetings. The proposal sparked debate among Board Members. Board Member Symsack opposed, stating, “I feel less safe the more guns that are in this room.” Board Member Jones supported the ordinance, arguing that failure to approve it would infringe on constitutional rights. Mayor Cline acknowledged the value of allowing local control, but Symsack reminded her that they often ask for the state to make laws so local municipalities do not have to. The Ordinance Opting Out Of The Requirements Set Forth In Senate Bill 24-131 Concerning Firearms In Sensitive Spaces, And Amending The Town Of Windsor Municipal Code By The Adoption Of A New Section 10-4-230 To Permit The Carrying Of Firearms In The Town Of Windsor Town Hall passed 5-2, with Town Board Members Steinbach and Symsack opposing.

Communications

• The Financial Report for December 2024 showed that sales and use taxes exceeded 2023 numbers.
• Mayor Cline highlighted the closing of the purchase of 300 acres of open space on March 31, Coffee with the Mayor on April 11, and Polar Plunge on April 12.

At 9:40 pm, the Board approved a motion to move into Executive Session to obtain legal advice regarding a 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Greeley. The agreement outlined how the two towns would manage developments along Highway 34, and Greeley is now considering legal action against Windsor for allegedly failing to share costs as stipulated in the agreement.

Next Meeting: Monday, April 7 at 7 pm -- Town Hall Chambers (3rd floor), 301 Walnut St., Windsor, CO 80550 or live on WindsorTV

Questions to Consider

• How should communities balance preserving commercial land with meeting housing needs?
• How might the new firearms ordinance impact public safety and perceptions of security in government buildings?
• What are the potential implications of Greeley’s legal challenge for Windsor’s future infrastructure agreements and regional partnerships?

Links

• Agenda & Agenda Packet
• View Board Meeting Broadcasts
• All Agendas and Minutes
• Town Board Website: The Town Board serves as the community’s legislative body, having responsibility for enacting town ordinances, appropriating funds to conduct town business, appointing members to boards and commissions, and providing direction to town staff.

Board Members

• Present: Ron Steinbach (District 1 / Mayor Pro Tem), Brian Jones (District 2), Lainie Peltz (District 3), Ken Symsack (District 4), Mayor Julie Cline, Rick Klimek (District 5), Jason Hallett (District 6)