Windsor Town Board Regular Meeting 9/23/24

Highlights

• Windsor voters will get a special election in early 2025 to vote on recreational marijuana. 
• Community members spoke in favor of Windsor passing legislation that would prohibit the sale of animals in public spaces. Similar laws exist in Johnstown, Bethoud, and Fort Collins. 
• Sophia Smith was recognized for her contributions to the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and the Windsor Public Works Department won the national American Public Works Association Asset Management Award. 

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Call to Order

Following roll and the pledge of allegiance, the Board approved the agenda.

Mayor Cline recognized Sophia Smith, a native of Windsor, CO, for her extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mark Jackson of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter recognized the Town of Windsor Public Works Department for winning the APWA Asset Management Award at the Public Works Exposition in Atlanta, GA. He presented the Board with a plaque. 

Mayor Cline invited the public to be heard. Six community members spoke in favor of Windsor passing Sammy’s Law, legislation that would prohibit the sale of animals in public spaces, thereby reducing the sale of puppy mill dogs. They said that eight states and 500 cities have this law in place, including 3 in Northern Colorado: Johnstown, Bethoud, and Fort Collins. In August, Fort Collins City Council passed Ordinance No. 123, 2024, banning the sale of cats and dogs in public places and retail stores, effective May 2025. 

Consent Calendar

The Board approved the September 9, 2024 Town Board Regular Meeting Minutes with an amendment from Board Member Hawlett. 

Two Resolutions were listed on the Agenda, but not discussed by the Board: 

1. Resolution No. 2024-54 - A Resolution Initiating Annexation Proceedings for the Hayden Annexation to the Town of Windsor, Colorado; and 
2. Resolution No. 2024-55 - A Resolution Creating an Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee and Appointing District Representatives to the Committee 

Board Action

Karen Frawley presented on Resolution No. 2024-56 - A Resolution Referring a Proposed Ordinance to the Registered Electors of the Town of Windsor, Colorado. She stated that a citizen initiative petition to allow retail marijuana business received 1,926 valid signatures, exceeding the 1,525 required to bring the resolution in front of the Board. The Board voted to refer the item to voters in a special election - likely to be held on Feb. 18, 2025, in which voters will also vote on the new charter. 

Communications

The Town Attorney shared an update on the ethics complaint against former Windsor Mayor Barry Wilson. Last year, the Board voted on the overall budget which included fees to pay the Poudre River Trail Corridor. Mr. Wilson worked for that entity, but failed to disclose that information or recuse himself from the vote. The special prosecutor did not recommend awarding damages because, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Wilson did not financially benefit, his employment was known by town staff and board, and the Town was not harmed. The full complaint and findings are in the Agenda Packet. 

There were no communications from Town Staff or the Town Manager. Mayor Cline shared that she, Mr. Hale, and Mr. Wendlandt are traveling to Raleigh, NC to learn about economic development and potential ideas to bring back to the Northern Colorado region.  

The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm. 

Next Meeting: Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 7 p.m. -- Town Hall Chambers (3rd floor), 301 Walnut St., Windsor, CO 80550 or live on WindsorTV 

Questions to Consider

• What are pros and cons of the potential passage of Sammy's Law in Windsor for any local pet store and animal welfare in the community? What are the potential economic and social implications of allowing retail marijuana businesses in Windsor if the citizen initiative is approved by voters in the special election?

Documenter: Shannon Murphy

Links

• 9/23/24 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), 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.