Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Windsor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues with medium priority
Windsor Senior Center multimedia art show
The Recreation Division ran free senior seminars on scams, AI, elder abuse, Alzheimer's communication, wildfire safety and end-of-life choices, plus senior outings. Attendance varied from 3 to 35 people per seminar.
Commission seat expirations and recruitment
Several commission seats expire December 14, and members are being asked to reapply or recruit others. No art background is required and non-residents can apply.
Youth banner installation and Water is Life mural
A commissioner asked the commission to consider a mural dedicated to Windsor's Chicano and lowrider community, noting the town's large population and that the photo contest already features some representation.
Development Impact Fee Pilot Program
One year in, the pilot has collected $0 in discounted fees, but developers credit it with getting three projects (211 units) under construction — including a 106-unit project getting more than 50% off. Council members worry about paying for traffic and park impacts with $2.4 million less.
Downtown Entertainment Zone
A state law now lets towns allow open drinks to go between downtown bars and tasting rooms. Staff surveyed 157 businesses (7 replied, 6 supportive) and laid out five options. After mixed public testimony, a majority of council favored the status quo and no ordinance will move forward for now.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Plan
SCTA presented plans to make walking and biking safer near six Windsor schools — including protected bike lanes on Windsor Road, a future roundabout at Foothill and Brooks Road South, and new crossings. Plans wrap by June 2027 and could position the town for future construction grants.
Windsor Unified School District Measure J Bond
A 29-year resident says the school district's plans for the closed Windsor Creek Elementary property are 'ill-advised,' noting wildlife using the site as a corridor and confusion over whether Measure J seeks $92 million or $96 million. Some longtime neighbors are reportedly considering moving away.
Senior center visibility on town Facebook page
Commissioner Bainbridge-Krause counted town Facebook posts and found only 12 about the senior center this year — despite seniors being nearly a third of Windsor. She wants more posts or a dedicated senior center page.
Playground improvements at Esposti Park and the Town Green
Council will award the Esposti Park playground construction contract August 19, aiming to finish before the rains. The Town Green playground rubber surfacing job starts over with a new contractor, with work beginning October 15.
Townwide commission vacancies and December appointments
With three council seats up this fall, most commission seats turn over too, and several planning commissioners are running for council. The town needs new volunteers now — applications are going live, and appointments happen in December to avoid losing quorums in January.
Condy Lane speeding near senior park
A resident representing 336 seniors at Windsor Mobile Country Club said the new 35 mph limit on Condy Lane isn't being obeyed and asked that the $82,500 traffic safety grant fund digital radar signs and noise-reduction technology.
Adult and youth recreation program offerings
The new Fall Recreation Guide is out with registration open since August 11. New offerings include a free infant-toddler play group in English and Spanish, a floating pumpkin patch at the pool, and a teen coaches-in-training program that doubles as volunteer-hour credit.
General Fund Reserve Policy Change
Tight finances mean no Parks and Rec float in the Windsor Day Parade this year, and possible fee increases are coming via the town's financial sustainability plan.
Hembry Lane and Shiloh road repair
The developer's temporary patch at Hembry Lane and Shiloh failed again, frustrating nearby residents; the town is pressing for a permanent fix on the westbound lane soon.
Labor standards for Clearwater construction
A carpenters union rep asked the town to ensure the Clearwater project is built with livable wages, quality health care, and state-accredited apprenticeship opportunities for local workers.
Unannounced speed limit reductions
A 1993 resident found Star Road, Windsor River Road and roads near the roundabout quietly dropped from 35 to 30 or 25 mph with no signage or notice — just a Facebook post about school zones. She asked for better public outreach.
Compost hub over-collection
Landscaping and construction trucks have been swooping in and hauling off most of the free compost right after deliveries, leaving nothing for residents. There's no enforceable rule against it, so staff are using signs, outreach tables, and hoping Zero Waste Sonoma finds an enforcement path.
Police Activity and Crime in Windsor Parks
Sergeant Little's annual report shows park crime is way down — just 13 crime reports across community parks in 16 months, and zero at the Town Green. Targeted gang enforcement and drone patrols during big events get the credit. Neighborhood parks see mostly juvenile mischief rather than serious crime.
Parking Rules Near the SMART Station
State law AB 2097 already eliminated parking minimums within a half-mile of the station. The update will refine Windsor's parking code and revisit the 2020 parking study, including the Emily Rose lot.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity
Council and the public pushed for better walk/bike connections: the SMART underpass near the high school, a 'paseo' linking the creek trail to downtown, and possibly rethinking the 101 overcrossing.
Housing Element Zoning Code Amendments
Windsor's affordable-housing rules only kick in for projects of 10+ units and its in-lieu fees are among the region's lowest — but more developers are now building affordable units on-site anyway. The council put off any changes until the fee pilot program's one-year check-in this fall.
Public art budget constraints
Town-wide budget cuts meant the commission got only part of what it requested last year, and it spent just $13,268 of its $30,000 budget by closing out June. The commission also has no dedicated funding stream — everything comes from the general fund unless a grant comes through.
North Bay Honor Flight veterans program
The nonprofit flies WWII, Korean and Vietnam-era veterans to Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veterans, and raises more than $75,000 per flight without federal or state funding. Upcoming Windsor-area fundraisers include an October 27 golf tournament at Windsor Golf Course.
ADU condominium sales (postponed)
Windsor could have become one of the first towns letting homeowners sell ADUs as condos — a path to affordable homeownership — but concerns about two-person HOAs and parking killed it 4-1 tonight. Staff can bring it back, and Sebastopol and San Jose examples may inform a future version.
Builder's remedy and state housing law exposure
Commissioner Rennie noted Windsor already has 1,000+ units under construction against a regional allocation of 994, and urged a pause. Vice Mayor Potter said the growth ordinance will be redone this year to count low-income housing in the growth rate.
Skate park hours ordinance change
The commission's recommendation to change skate park hours goes to the Town Council for a first reading June 17 and a second reading July 15.
Library commissioner vacancy and library services
Deborah Doyle's eight-year term is expiring and Windsor needs a new library commissioner. Also heads-up: a computer system changeover in August means you'll need your library card number to check out books for about a week.