Windsor Town Board Regular Meeting 9/22/2025
by Shannon Murphy
A live broadcast of this meeting is available here.
Highlights
- The Board approved three ordinances: natural medicine facility zoning regulations (First Reading), garage sale limitations (Final Reading), and sex offender residential requirements (Final Reading).
- Mayor Cline highlighted numerous fall events happening across the Town of Windsor.
Board Action
Kim Mihm, Deputy Town Attorney, and Scott Ballstadt, Director of Planning, presented the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1727. This ordinance implements local regulations for psilocybin mushroom facilities following Colorado’s legalization. Natural Medicine Healing Centers are permitted in General Commercial zones, while Natural Medicine Businesses are limited to Heavy Industrial zones. Both must maintain 1,000-foot distances from schools and residential areas, operate Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and meet strict safety requirements. The Planning Commission had voted 4-2 to recommend approval, with some commissioners expressing concerns about allowing such businesses in Windsor. The Board unanimously approved the Ordinance Amending the Town of Windsor Code by Adding Sections 16-4-40 and 16-5-70 to Address the Zoning of Natural Medicine Healing Centers and Natural Medicine Businesses in the Town of Windsor, Colorado. The Second Reading is planned for October 13, 2025.
Mihm then presented the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1725. Following complaints about continuous garage sales creating parking issues and neighborhood disruption, this ordinance limits each residence to three garage sales per year, lasting no more than three consecutive days each. Items must be stored in enclosed structures by sunset each day, and signs must be removed within two hours after sales end. The Board unanimously approved the Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 of the Windsor Municipal Code, Creating Article XIV to Address Regulations for Garage Sales.
Kurt Clow, Police Commander, presented the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1726. The ordinance prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of parks, playgrounds, or schools, or within 500 feet of daycare centers, recreation centers, and other child-focused facilities. Board Member Symsack opposed the measure, citing research showing such ordinances lack evidence of reducing recidivism. He also had a concern that the restrictions could harm children of sex offenders (e.g., by preventing families from living in places like apartments with playgrounds). He requested data collection if passed. In a 6-1 vote, the Board approved the Ordinance Adding Article XIII to Chapter 10 of the Windsor Municipal Code Regarding Residential Setbacks For Registered Sex Offenders.
Communications
- Board Member Hallett commended the Police Department on quickly securing Severance Schools after gunshots were heard nearby on Sept. 18.
- Mayor Cline reminded attendees that there is a three-week break until the next meeting and highlighted the following fall programs and events:
- Sept. 27: Night at the Museum - A Mystery Afoot
- Sept. 27: Community Park Cleanup at Poudre Heights Park
- Oct. 10 and 11: Windsor Fall Cleanup Days
- Oct. 13: Leaf Recycling Program
- Oct. 20: Twilight Tours of Lakeview Cemetery
Next Meeting:
Monday, October 13 at 7 p.m. -- Town Hall Chambers (3rd floor), 301 Walnut St., Windsor, CO 80550 or live on WindsorTV.
Questions to Consider
- What is the penalty for violations of the new garage sale limitations?
- Could board member Symsack’s concerns be addressed by allowing people to petition for special consideration?
- How many psilocybin mushroom facilities are vying to be in Windsor?
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), Mayor Julie Cline, Ken Symsack (District 4 - virtual), Rick Klimek (District 5), Jason Hallett (District 6)
*Citizen Observers further the commitment of the League of Women Voters to its principle of Citizens Right to Know, however, we are not acting as journalists. Omissions and errors are possible. It is assumed that users of this information are responsible for their own fact-checking. This could include contacting a government clerk, conversing with an elected official or staff, and/or asking us to speak to the Observer who attended.